And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:
And he said, 'I cannot go back with you or come into your house. I will not eat food or drink water with you in this place.'
The man of God is refusing the king's invitation to stay and eat, explaining that he must obey God's specific instructions not to accept hospitality in that place.
📚 Historical Context
In the divided kingdom of Israel, King Jeroboam had established idolatrous altars in Bethel as part of his rebellion against God's ways, leading to widespread spiritual corruption. God sent a prophet from Judah to deliver a stern warning against this altar and explicitly commanded him not to eat, drink, or return the same way to avoid any association with the idolatry. In 1 Kings 13:16, the prophet firmly refuses an invitation from an older prophet in Bethel, demonstrating his commitment to obey God's direct instructions despite potential hospitality.
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